PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for an effective date of May 13, 1985 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to September 12, 1994 is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the earlier effective date for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine the nature and severity of his posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms during specific time periods.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to February 24, 2003 and granted a higher rating of 70 percent beginning from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by moderately severe impairment in social and occupational functioning, suicidal ideation, near-continuous anxiety and depression, and isolation. However, the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his psychiatric and low back disabilities were denied by the Board, with no effective date provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, PTSD, two facial scars, left and right knee conditions, and neuropathy of the upper extremities, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disability related to service, and the Veteran's claims for PTSD and major depressive disorder were denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since December 11, 2008. The rating is granted as the symptoms are consistent with occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

For the period from March 17, 2003 to November 26, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent.,Since November 27, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and right elbow disability do not render him unable to care for daily personal needs without regular assistance from others or to protect himself from the hazards of his home environment, nor are they housebound. Therefore, he is not entitled to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was granted, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was established. The decision also addressed the reopening of a previously denied claim for hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, an eye disorder, a disability manifested by chest pains, and low back disability. The Veteran's vertigo was not found to be related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the claims files are incomplete and requires additional development, including a search for missing records and VA examinations. The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as possible SSA records. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the appellant's claims, including obtaining medical records and opinions regarding the cause of death and whether VA care caused or contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms, including suicidal and homicidal ideations, frequent panic attacks, and avoidance behaviors, have been rated at the highest possible level of disability (70 percent) throughout the appeal period. His right foot disability has also been evaluated at a moderate level (10 percent). The Veteran is now receiving a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that the evidence is in equipoise and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since October 1, 2004. The Board found that the symptoms of his PTSD more nearly approximated reduced reliability and productivity than deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD results in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher initial rating of 70 percent.